A Co-op: Defined

A "cooperative" or "co-op" is defined as a group of people coming together in a joint effort. A cooperative preschool is a group of parents joining together to educate their young children. At Novi Co-Op Preschool we hire professional teachers to develop the curriculum, teach all classes, and guide each child through their school day.

A cooperative preschool is a non-profit organization owned and operated by the parents of the children enrolled. The parents assist the professional teachers in the classroom on a rotating basis and participate in the classroom activities. Each family shares in the operation of the school, thus making it truly a cooperative venture.

Volunteer parents serving on a board position manage the business side of the co-op. Board members are elected each spring and meet once a month to decide on polices and guidelines for the operation of the school. At Novi Co-Op Preschool parents, teachers, and children learn together, play together, and grow together.

For more information about co-op preschools we recommend you visit The Greater Detroit Cooperative Preschool Teacher's Association website.

Benefits of a Co-Op

Novi Co-Op Parents...

• are involved with children in a hands-on learning environment
• share special times and memories with their child

• are a part of a small business that is run by all the members
• get opportunities to meet other parents of young children
• are supported during the joyous as well as the trying times of child-rearing
• get the chance to make use of their talents
• get access to experts on child development at educational conferences

Member Requirements

Our member requirements are listed in full on the participation agreement form. They include but are not limited to:

• Accept and fully perform assigned co-op job.
• Attend the 2-3 mandatory General Membership meetings held during the school year. ​
• Meet yearly fundraiser requirements ($150 minimum).* ​
• Provide a nutritional snack when scheduled as the snack parent.
• Assist in the classroom.*
• Comply with security screenings (MSP for all parents + DHS Central Registry Clearance for any adult who will work in the classroom) prior to start of school.
• Meet yearly cleanup requirements.*

*An additional fee will be assessed for each of these requirements if you are unable to participate or assist.

Parent Jobs

Every co-op family is assigned a job that contributes to the smooth running of the school. We try to assign jobs based on each member’s interests and on our current school needs. Jobs fall into the following categories:

Daily School Operations - supplies buyer, substitute teacher, play dough maker

Special Events - school field trips, school newsletter, party planner

Publicity and Fundraising - webmaster, Bike-a-thon chair, fundraising assistant

Board Position - President, Vice President, Fundraising, Publicity, Secretary, Treasurer, Member Services